The Linux kernel has long been a well-established reality, and while it still contains code for technologies no longer in use, it’s likely that some people still rely on these older solutions, given the number of enthusiasts using older hardware. Consequently, maintaining and preserving this code remains a priority.
But even the Linux kernel has its limitations. Twenty years ago, HIPPI was a standard with very specific applications. Those who have never heard of it should not be surprised: the latest version of Linux, version 7.0, will eliminate support for this now outdated technology.
As noted by Phoronix, a commit was added to the Linux 7.0 codebase to remove support for the High Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI) protocol. This protocol played a crucial role in supercomputing in the late 1980s and 1990s. At the time, it was a significant development: HIPPI enabled data transfer at speeds of up to 800 megabits per second over distances of up to 25 meters. Today, such speeds are available at home via standard fiber-optic internet connections, so the need for HIPPI has completely disappeared.
In the commit description, the developers explain their decision: HIPPI has been obsolete for over twenty years. It was quickly supplanted by Fibre Channel technology, and even when it was first introduced, HIPPI was only used on very expensive high-end hardware.
Throughout Git’s history, the HIPPI code has only received general fixes and changes. Therefore, it was decided to remove HIPPI support and the HIPPI RoadRunner driver . The header file was retained, however, because it is used by the TUN code and to avoid breaking user programs, although the likelihood of this happening is extremely low.
While this change is unlikely to impact anyone, it’s interesting to realize how deeply these relics of the past are still buried in the Linux code . While it’s certainly nice to preserve them for the sake of history, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to let them go and move on.
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